Jaws for Thanksgiving Dinner?

The body of a great white shark, one of the ocean's rarest and most powerful apex predators, was discovered last week washed ashore on Morris Island.

What killed the 13-foot, 2-inch female shark remains a mystery, though biologists are hoping that examination of tissue samples might shed some light on how the animal wound up dead on the beach, said Bryan Frazier, biologist with the S.C. Department of Natural Resources.
The shark did not appear to have suffered any fishing-related wounds, nor had it suffered any obvious forms of trauma, Frazier said. And though enormous by most standards, the fish actually was still quite young, at an estimated 10 to 13 years old, Frazier said.

Great whites don't mature sexually until they reach about 14 1/2 feet in length, he added. They can reach a length of more than 20 feet.

A visitor spotted the dead shark about a mile from the lighthouse on Morris Island, an uninhabited barrier island near Charleston. He reported the find to a marine mammal stranding hotline, which contacted DNR officials.

South Carolina Home Appreciation ranked 6th in USA

South Carolina ranks sixth in the rate of appreciation for single-family homes over the past year, according to third-quarter statistics released Tuesday by the U.S. Federal Housing Finance Agency.

Nationally, home values dropped 4% from the third quarter of 2007 to the third quarter of 2008, the report said. During that time in South Carolina, values rose 2.42%.

The nation’s 4% four-quarter decline was the largest four-quarter drop in the history of the index, which started in 1975.

The quarterly report from the Federal Housing Finance Agency is based on sales and refinancing data for existing single-family homes. Transactions included in the data are conforming, conventional mortgages purchased or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

The report ranks states and metro areas only by yearly changes, but it also lists value changes for the third quarter of 2008. Those quarterly numbers are negative for most states and metro areas.

During the third quarter, home values dropped 0.45% in South Carolina, compared with a 2.68% drop nationally.

Among metro areas ranked by appreciation from third quarter 2007 to third quarter 2008, the Augusta-Richmond County MSA, which covers parts of South Carolina and Georgia, was No. 2 in the nation. The area, which saw values increase 5.48% over the year, fell behind only the Austin-Round Rock MSA in Texas.

The Charleston-North Charleston-Summerville MSA came in at No. 65, with 1.37% appreciation over the last year. The area’s values fell 0.30% during the third quarter of 2008.

The Columbia MSA is listed at No. 24, with 2.92% appreciation during the year. For the quarter, home values dropped 0.05%.

The Greenville-Mauldin-Easley MSA was No. 9 in home appreciation during the past year, at 4.55%. For the quarter, the Upstate MSA saw home values drop 0.61%.

Also in the Upstate, Spartanburg was No. 11, with a 4.12% appreciation rate over the year and a 2.2% increase in the third quarter. Anderson was No. 39, with 2.28% appreciation over the year and a drop of 1.86% over the most recent quarter.

“The impact of foreclosures and tightening credit conditions weighed heavily on house prices in the third quarter,” FHFA Director James B. Lockhart said.

To discuss buying or selling a home, please give me a call at 843-209-9667 or email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com
Thanks, Randall Sandin

http://www.charlestonpierpartners.com

Freddie Mac & Frannie May Suspend Foreclosure Sales through Jan, 2009

Freddie Mac & Grannie May announced they has ordered its national network of mortgage servicers and foreclosure attorneys to suspend all foreclosure sales and evictions involving occupied single family and 2-4 unit properties with Freddie Mac-owned mortgages between November 26, 2008 and January 9, 2009. The suspension will help servicers implement the Streamlined Modification Program recently announced by Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), HOPE Now and 27 mortgage servicers. The temporary suspension is also expected to give servicers more time to help borrowers avoid foreclosure.

The temporary suspension of foreclosure sales is the latest in a series of efforts to help troubled borrowers. Other recent initiatives have included, delegating expanded workout authority to servicers, doubling the amount of money servicers are paid for successful workouts, and paying non-profit organizations to reach out to worried borrowers.

James Island Prevails in fight with city...for now

The town of James Island has prevailed in the latest round of its ongoing fight with the city of Charleston over its incorporation.

But the fight isn’t over. The city plans to appeal the decision to the state Supreme Court, Mayor Joe Riley said in a statement.

S.C. Circuit Court Judge Cordell Maddox Jr. ruled this month that the town’s third attempt to become a municipality complied with state laws. The ruling also said state incorporation laws passed in 2005, which gave the supporters of the town a third shot at incorporating, are constitutional.

“We are, of course, disappointed but believe that our positions are correct and therefore hope that we will prevail before the Supreme Court of the state of South Carolina,” Riley said in the statement.

Town officials could not be reached for comment early Thursday.

The city of Charleston had filed the lawsuit in 2006, and the judge heard arguments from city and town officials in the spring.

The town’s first and second efforts to incorporate were struck down by the courts in 1996 and 2004. At issue in all three cases have been the methods the town used to establish contiguity between parcels included within its borders. Parcels within a municipality must be contiguous.

The city of Charleston argued in the latest lawsuit that the 2005 state laws governing incorporation were unconstitutional as written and that the town’s delineation of its borders in the incorporation petition did not comply with state laws.

The city also challenged the contiguity of parcels in the town and the public status of some roads used to connect parcels.

Behind the lengthy legal fight is a battle over properties on James Island. The city of Charleston has annexed many parcels on the island, and the town’s incorporation blocks the city from bringing in more.

The town of James Island provides limited services to its businesses and residents. Many services are provided by the same entities now as they were before the town was formed. Those include the James Island Public Service District and Charleston County.

Move or Remodel??

Unsure whether you should move or remodel? You're not alone. Many homeowners face this situation at one time or another. Maybe your kitchen is outdated or that one bathroom just isn't cutting it anymore or you just need more space. Whatever the case may be, coming up with an answer isn't easy.So how do you decide what to do? There are many factors that come in to play but it ultimately comes down to what makes the most sense for you - financially and emotionally.

One of the first things you should do is to create a list of pro's and cons of moving versus remodelling. Pretty quickly, you will get a better picture of what your most realistic options are.For example, you're happy living in your current home and neighborhood but need more space. You research the possibility of adding more space to your home such as a dormer, addition or finishing your basement and find out that these are viable options. Now is the time to ask yourself some serious questions such as:

Can I afford to remodel? Analyize your entire financial picture and options - Savings, home equity loan, home equity line of credit, etc....

How do to find a reputable contractor? Ask your trusted realtor, friends and neighbors, search online - do your homework

What would my estimated renovation costs be?Get bids from numerous reputable contractors - then add up to 20%

What is the estimated time for project completion? Plan on adding extra time for unexpected delays and hiccups

Will I be able to recoup my renovation costs upon selling? Depends on how long you plan on staying in your home after the remodel and on what projects you do. New high tech siding, kitchen and bathroom remodels tend bring the highest ROI

How long will it take me to sell and find a new home?Depends on numerous factors but pricing your home right from the start and using a local experienced real estate agent is a good start.

Renovating your current home and making it your own can be a personally satifying achievement. However, you should take into consideration the level of improvement and personalization you are thinking of making. Will your addition or interior customizations make your home stand out like a sore thumb in your neighborhood? If you overdo it, you could make your home harder to sell in the future. Finding the right balance is key.Emotionally, both moving and remodelling can take a toll on you. No matter how well you plan, hiccups will arrise along the way. Be prepared and remain flexible.

James Island News

Just a quick update for James Island residents:

- They have started putting in the new pier at Sunrise Park. This will make a great place to put in kayaks and really enjoy the area. Make sure you check it out.

-The Boathouse Restaurant is coming to James Island. It was just announced that the Boathouse will take over the spot currently held by Mimi's Cafe. Mimi's will close at the end of the December and the Boathouse will do some work and open in March. That is great news for the sushi fans on James Island.

OPEN HOUSES - Sunday, Nov. 16th, 1-3pm

We are hosting four OPEN HOUSES this weekend on James Island.

Sunday, Nov. 16th from 1-3pm.

Please come by and you will be entered in a drawing for free passes to the Holiday Festival of Lights at James Island County Park.

Here are the properties:

900 Longwood Lane, Patriots Plantation subdivision
MLS# 2831623, $460,000
click here for the VISUAL Tour

661 McCutchen St., Cleaview subdivision
MLS# 2828798, $315,000
click here for the VISUAL TOUR

775 Willow Lake, Eastwood subdivision
MLS# 2825879, $459,900
click here for the VISUAL TOUR

1530 Fort Johnson, #4L, Brigadier Condos
MLS# 2827414, $80,000 - not a short sale
click here for the VISUAL TOUR

October Market Number from the Charleston Board of Realtors

The Charleston Trident Association of Realtors released its October data from the Multiple Listing Service. The highlights follow:

• Home sales and prices in Charleston posted declines in October.
• Last month, 549 homes sold, compared with 792 in October 2007, a 30% decline.
• Median home prices fell 7%, from $208,705 in October 2007 to $195,000 last month.
• Year-to-date sales were down 23%, from 792 through October of last year to 549 during the same time period this year.
• Year-to-date prices remained relatively steady, dropping 2% from $210,000 to $205,000.
• The largest number of homes sold last month were in the price range of $200,000 to $249,000. Eighty homes sold in this category.
• Two homes sold for less than $20,000 and 19 sold for more than $1 million.
• Certain areas of the Lowcountry showed a price increase despite the depressed economy.
• The median price of homes on James Island increased 2% compared with October 2007, and Folly Beach and Sullivan’s Island posted price gains of 18% and 11%, respectively.
• The average number of days on the market in October was 129, though 138 homes were on the market for a month or less before selling. An additional 200 homes that were sold last month sat on the market at least 121 days before moving.
• Condominium sales continue to support the median market price for the month, with 49 total sales with a median price of $209,000.

Randall Sandin

843-209-9667

Carolina One Real Estate

Great weekend fun in Charleston, SC

If you are looking for some low-cost family fun this weekend, make sure you check out the Farmer's market in Marion Square in downtown Charleston. This is not your ordinary farmers market with just fruit and veggie vendors. In addition to great local and organic produce (my wife had some incredible apples and I was able to purchase some watermelon radish), there are numerous food vendors with everything from homemade donuts to fresh squeezed lemon juice to muffalata sandwiches. The biggest line was at the homemade crepe stand. Live music came from a little stage and there were more vendors selling everything from local artwork to fresh basil to organic pasta. For the kids, there are a number of jup castles and pony rides are also available. Make sure you check it out this weekend.

Randall Sandin
843-209-9667
Carolina One Real Estate

Simple Tips to Staging your Home

Staging your home has become even more critical in today's challenging market. We hire a staging consultant for all our listings, at our cost, to give us feedback on what to do to put the home in top saleable condition. If you need a contact for staging, please call or email me. Here are some simple tips to start with in staging a home.

1. Add flowers: this freshens the home and adds a touch of color
2. Freshen up: do the small stuff, new shower curtain, fresh towels and new guest soaps in each bath
3. Make it smell like home: Set out potpourri or fresh bakes goods to give a homey scent
4. Set the table: Set your dining and breakfast tables with nice dishes and napkins
5. Change the entrance: Add a fresh doormat with a cure or clever saying...stay away from sports teams
6. Create space: Remove some large pieces fo furniture to creare a sense of openness
7. Clear the counters: Put away kitchen appliances and other items to give the illusion of more counter space
8. Dress up the fireplace: Put wood in the fireplace or flowers to make it look nice
9. Depersonalize: Remove family photos and momentos so the viewer can see it as their home
10. Water the lawn: Turn on the sprinklers or water before a shower to give a nice sparkle to the lawn

Please let me know if I can be of any help with your real estate needs.

Randall Sandin, 843-209-9667, rsandin@carolinaone.com
http://www.CharlestonPierPartners.com

Search the Entire Charleston, SC MLS

If you are starting your home search, make sure you use a site that gets you access to the entire Charleston Multiple Listing Service. Many real estate sites just list homes of agents who advertise or pay in some way to be on the site. If you are looking to buy a home in Charleston, SC, please visit my site, http://www.CharlestonPierPartners.com and you can search all available properties or you can click on the link on this site. The site is updated with the most current info every night.

Thanks and please call if I can be of assistance,
Randall Sandin
Carolina One Real Estate
843-209-9667
rsandin@carolinaone.com

Do not be afraid of FHA loans

Many borrowers are now finding the easiest path to home ownership is through an FHA Loan. First off, what is an FHA loan? The FHA loan is backed by the federal housing authority so the banks know they have some security in the loan in case the borrower defaults. FHA loan are also a little more leniant in regards to credit scores. They do require a 3% down payment and that will move to 3.5% at the beginning of the year. However, you can ask for up to 6% in concessions from the seller for closing costs, insurance costs, etc. The home must be approved by an FHA approved appraiser. In the past, they were very picky on items but that has been relaxed recently so most homes in decent condition are being approved. There are no fears in using an FHA loan in today's market and they are becoming the choice for those with a little money down and with lower credit scores. Please email me at rsandin@carolinaone.com for more info.

Food Drive - Charleston, SC

Charleston Pier Partners is going to be conducting a food drive from today through November 21st. For all our local friends, if you would like to donate a few cans or boxes, please let us know and we will come pick it up from your home or office. Just hit reply to this email and we will go from there. For our out-of-town friends, please make sure you give this holiday season. We need to count our blessings and do our best to give back to those who are less fortunate. Our goal is to exceed the combined weight of the Charleston Pier Partners (Matt&Randall) which means we have to collect & donate over 500 pounds of food...we need your help!

Please give us a call or email and we can arrange a pick-up. All of the food we collect will be donated to the Lowcountry Food Bank. You can email rsandin@carolinaone.com to donate.

In advance, thanks for your help.

Randall Sandin, 209-9667, rsandin@carolinaone.com
Matt Poole, 830-0027, mpoole@carolinaone.com

Charleston area November Events

Holiday Festival of Lights, starting Nov. 14th at James Island County Park. Magic is the discovery of the extraordinary, a moment when everything else is forgotten, and when wonderment is shared. Magic embraces and connects us. Find your magic in the millions of sparkling lights and hundreds of displays at the Holiday Festival of Lights. On Thursday the 13th, be the first to see the lights at the Fun Run & Walk, go to the Event Website for more info and to register for the race.

Nov. 8, 15, 22 &29: Plantation Days, Middleton Place, Craftworkers demonstrate the skills practiced by slaves as they prepared the antebellum plantation for harvest time. Each Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. a different aspect of 18th and 19th-century plantation life will be explored: Domestic Skills, African American Traditional Arts, Low Country Foodways and the Plantation Natural Environment. Regular admission. (843) 556-6020.

For those of you looking for a run during November, here is a list of area races and websites.

11/8- 7th Old Village Harbor 5K Run & Walk, Mt. Pleasant, Website
11/15- Atlantic Bank & Trust Folly Beach 10-mile Run and 5-mile Walk, Folly Beach, Website
11/22- Inaugural Clemson-Carolina Challenge 5K Run, Website11/17- 31st Knights of Columbus Turkey Day 5K Run, Charleston Historic Area,Website